Howard, George Alfred (1886-1980)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

GEORGE ALFRED HOWARD: born in Leicester on 21st April 1886. At the age of twenty-four he offered as a candidate for the ministry of the Primitive Methodist Church and was trained at Hartley College. He served in the following circuits, Plumstead, Droxford, Nottingham III, Coalville, Church Gresley, London (Herbert Road), Coalville (second term), and Leicester (Anstey), becoming a supernumerary in 1950 when for a period he assisted in the Shooters Hill Circuit. In 1967 he and his wife moved from New Eltham to Gillingham, Kent. 

George Howard was a quiet and gentle soul with an unassuming character. He never sought the limelight and could not tolerate fuss. Most of his appointments were in single station circuits, where he served faithfully and with outstanding integrity; his word was his bond. As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather he had a love for children and underneath his precise and meticulous manner there was a puckish sense of humour and a warm heart. He was a caring pastor and a thoughtful preacher. 

During the last years of his long life he suffered great physical discomfort and increasing frailty, but he did so without complaining and with dignified patience, concerned only that he was an extra burden to his wife. Tribute must be paid to the constant devotion and loving care of Winifred Howard who crowned a lifelong partnership by her careful attention to his every need. They celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary together on the 24th June 1980. He died on the 11th August 1980 in the ninety-fifth year of his age and the sixty-seventh year of his ministry.

Family

George was born on 21 April 1886 at Leicester, Leicestershire, to parents Francis, a warehouseman (1901), and Phoebe.

He married Winifred Ivy Woodfield (1899-1983) on 24 June 1920 at PM Chapel, Eglinton Hill, Plumstead, London. Birth records identify one child.

• Donald G (b1923)

George died on 11 August 1880 at Rainham, Gillingham, Kent.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1913 Plumstead
• 1920 Droxford
• 1921 Nottingham III
• 1928 Coalville
• 1934 Church Gresley
• 1947 Leicester Anstey
• 1950 Shooters Hill (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1981/74

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers